Shrub Establishment in CP-25 Plantings for Block and Interspersed Plantings

Forestry Technical Note Number MT-19

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Forestry Technical Note Number MT-19 (PDF; 28 KB)

September 1999.
by Robert Logar, State Staff Forester.

For shrub establishments it is acceptable to plant seedlings, plugs, and/or transplants as block plantings on specific areas. Plant as group plantings in appropriate soils and landscape positions. Spacing should be approximately 15 feet by 15 feet - approximately 200 plants per acre. For CRP, the number of acres of shrubs needed is based on the technical range site description found in the Field Office Technical Guide, Section II-E-8, Rangeland, Grazed Forestland, Native Pastureland Interpretations. For example, if the site description describes the site as having 10 percent shrub composition, a 10-acre planting needs to have one acre of shrubs. Two hundred plants are needed for the one-acre planted on approximately 15 feet by 15 feet spacing. As an alternative to planting shrubs by seed this policy was developed to allow nursery type plantings that should have a high success rate of establishment.

Maintenance for block plantings will be required for three years to aid in the establishment of the plantings. The use of fabric, tillage, and/or spot application of herbicide are all acceptable methods of maintenance.

Interspersed planting of seedlings, plugs, and/or transplants throughout the planting will need to follow the recommended 200 plants per acre and 15 feet by 15 feet spacing guidelines. For example, the number of shrubs needed for an interspersed planting on 10-acre planting would be 2,000 plants (10 acres x 200 plants per acre) There is a significant difference in the number of plants needed for an interspersed planting and a block planting of shrubs. The reason for the higher number of plants required for the interspersed planting is there will be a significant amount of mortality with that type of planting.

Clump planting of some shrubs for either interspersed or group plantings is allowed. For example, it is permitted to plant 2 to 3 common snowberry plants together because they are naturally found in dense patches. Sagebrush plantings should be planted singly for they require more space individually. Use your professional judgment and keep in mind how that plant occurs naturally when deciding which species can be planted in clumps.

If you have any questions regarding this technical note, please contact one of the following:

Robert Logar, State Forester
Phone: (406) 587-6836
Email: Robert.Logar

Ronald Nadwornick, State Resource Conservationist
Phone: (406) 587-6998
Email: Ronald.Nadwornick

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Last Modified: 08/18/2008